Marking the 40th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus on the weekend, thousands of Cypriot Australians marched calling for the demilitarization and reunification of the island.

In Victoria, commemorations started earlier in the week, with a small group of Cypriots standing outside the Turkish Consulate of Melbourne with signs calling for Turkish troops to exit Cypriot land.

Friday saw a sombre group gather to host a candlelight vigil and human chain outside the Parliament of Victoria, aiming to remind the government of the plight of Cyprus.

A supper was also held in the memory of the Cypriot refugees who were forced to leave their homes.

On the day of the anniversary, both Melbourne and Western Australia held church services and commemorations.

Melbourne Cypriots took to the streets and marched from the Lonsdale Street Greek precinct to the steps of the Victorian parliament, many holding photos of their loved ones who were killed or are still missing from the invasion.

Speaking at the service was the Secretary of the Council of Ministers of Cyprus, Theodosis A. Tsiolas, the High Commissioner of Cyprus to Australia, Ioanna Maliotis, the Consul General of Greece to Melbourne, Christina Simantirakis and the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria’s president, Bill Papastergiadis.

Perth also marked the anniversary with a wreath laying service at the war memorial in Kings Park, hosted by the Cypriot Community of Western Australia.
Events are yet to be hosted in Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney, which will continue commemorations this week.

Adelaide:
Wednesday 23 July:
7.00 pm: Commemorative service at the Cypriot community of South Australia, 8 Barrpowell St, Welland, SA, with Theodosis A. Tsiolas and Ioanna Malliotis to attend.

Brisbane:
Friday 25 July:
6.00 pm: Church service at Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George
Followed by laying of wreaths and commemorative reception at Cyprus House, 2 Vulture Street, West End, QLD.
Mr Theodosis A. Tsiolas and Mrs Ioanna Malliotis will address the crowd.

Sydney:
Sunday 27 July:
10.00 am: Memorial service at Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. Redfern
Theodosis A. Tsiolas to meet with Archbishop Stylianos
1.30 pm: Wreath laying at Martin Place, followed by protest march through George Street
3.30 pm: Speeches and cultural program by the Cypriot Community of Sydney and NSW